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Fence Permits by County

Who issues your permit

Fence permits on Florida's Gulf Coast come from your city if you're inside city limits, or your county if you're not. Here's every building department in our service area.

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Before you build.

Most Florida cities and counties require a permit for a new residential fence, and pool barriers are always inspected. Requirements (heights, setbacks, corner visibility, materials) vary by jurisdiction, so check with the office below for your address.

  • Find your jurisdiction: your county property appraiser's site shows whether your parcel is inside a city.
  • Get HOA or architectural review approval first, if your community requires it. See our HOA fence guide.
  • Have your survey ready to show the fence line, easements and setbacks.
  • Contact Sunshine 811 (call 811) before digging so underground utilities are marked.
  • Building a pool fence? Read our pool fence guide first.

By county

Building departments.

Links go to each office's official website. Rules and fees change; the office has the final word.

Manatee County

Unincorporated Manatee County: Manatee County Development Services Department - Building Division (Permitting Section)

Cities with their own building departments

Our Manatee County pages: Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City, Anna Maria Island.

Pinellas County

Unincorporated Pinellas County: Pinellas County Building & Development Review Services (BDRS)

Cities with their own building departments

Our Pinellas County pages: St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor.

Questions

Permit questions.

General answers. Your building department has the final word for your address.

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Do I need a permit to build a fence in Florida?

In most Florida cities and counties, yes, a residential fence needs a building permit, and pool barriers are always inspected. The rules come from your city (if you're inside city limits) or your county (if you're unincorporated).

How do I know if I'm in the city or the county?

Look up your parcel on your county property appraiser's website. It shows the jurisdiction. A city name in your mailing address doesn't always mean you're inside city limits.

Does HOA approval replace the permit?

No. HOA or architectural review approval is separate, and in HOA communities you usually need it before the building department will issue the permit.

How tall can my fence be?

It depends on your city or county code and your HOA. Backyard fences are commonly limited to 6 feet and front-yard fences to lower heights, with extra rules near driveways and corners for visibility. Check with your building department.

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